Run comes to an end as Athenas are stifled in the second half by No. 18 UPS in NCAA Tournament

NEWBERG, Ore. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's basketball team had a 33-19 lead at halftime but ultimately was unable to stay on top, losing 61-56 to No. 18 Puget Sound from the stout Northwest Conference in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Athenas' 20 game win streak came to an end after being matched up against the Loggers, a team that had been ranked in the top 25 since Dec. 14.

The Athenas initially came out aggressive and had a stellar first half. They shot 44.4% and only turned the ball over three times. CMS created separation by scoring 14 points to UPS' two during six minutes in the middle of the first half. SCIAC Newcomer of the Year, Kailee Severt, hammered a three and then a layup in the next possession to get the offense rolling.

Severt would go on to score one point short of a season high at 13 points. She drained a pair of three-pointers and was 4-for-4, lifting the Athenas in the first half.

SCIAC Athlete of the Year, Kimberly Scamman was good for 17 in the first half and finished with a 25-point game. Scamman also led the team in rebounds, snatching eight.

The Loggers started the second half with a jumper from beyond the arc by Ashley Agcaoili, indicative of UPS' intentions for the rest of the game. UPS crawled within seven points at the 14:19 minute mark and then the teams traded baskets until 10:31 when CMS only had a three point lead.

Kyra Ray extended the Athenas' lead to 49-43 after a pair of free throws. The Loggers steadily chipped away by driving to the basket and drawing fouls. UPS had 20 opportunities from the free throw line in the second half alone.

UPS took the 56-55 lead with a minute and a half remaining on a layup by Amanda Forshay. In the final five minutes of the game, the Loggers out-scored CMS 12-1 for the victory.

Puget Sound advances to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament to face a familiar foe in George Fox University.

CMS graduates Ray and Scamman, both with incredible seasons and careers as Athenas. CMS ends the season at 24-4, tying the 2013-14 season record.

Box Score

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